11/29/32 EC's letter to Dr. [
539]:
"Many, many thanks for yours of recent date. I was only too
glad to see what the reading would give for [
2155]. That it
is possibly of help, throwing some light on the condition and
the ultimate results if we only remain true, is certainly
very wonderful. I suppose we all as humans reach the point
at times when we feel like quitting. To my mind that is
possibly one of the strongest proofs of reincarnation. Every
thought must have some source or cause for its inception. As
you say, there is possibly nothing more abhorrent in the eyes
of Creation, or God, than a quitter. As we look about us we
see all nature struggling against such odds that we, who are
so earthly-wise, realize it has already run its course; yet
being of the All-Creative Force it pushes on to do the best
it can with what it has to deal with. Only man cries out,
'It's too much! I want to quit!' when of all he may call on,
may obtain, may have, may be one with, that All-Creative
Force, if he will but make his will (all of it) one with that
Creative Force. Then indeed we may say, the Lord hath no
need for nor pleasure in the quitter.
"I certainly hope that [
2155] continues to have many days
when he is feeling much better. No doubt the change of
individuals may make for a change in his attempts to arouse
the latent forces within himself. I certainly trust that the
one aiding in his care proves to be a most wonderful and
helpful link in arousing the God Spirit in Him to such an
activity as to bring to the mental and material forces a
different sort of outlook, a different character of building.
I am sure it will bring peace, harmony and joy to your heart,
and to Mrs. [
2110] strengthening your already strong belief
in the divine powers and their abilities to manifest in the
lives of poor weak mortals!
"So far I have heard nothing from Detroit. We will certainly
be very glad to try and be of help to any individual whom you
may refer to us.
"Yes, I think it very complimentary that you should think of
arranging for me to talk to others, should I be able to get
that way. So far I have not laid out a course of lectures,
though I have given talks to groups - and the same group -
for a year or more at the time; most often letting them
choose their own subjects. I do not mean to infer that I
feel I am so well versed in thought of this kind as to be
able to talk on any subject, but - as you may know - during a
period of thirty odd years, to have given information through
these channels practically every day of that time - a great
many subjects have been covered. I am not an educated
person, as you know from reading the little booklet.
Practically my whole education has been through the readings
themselves, as I had only a very few years in school. I have
been a very consistent reader of King James' version of the
Book of Books. To that, no doubt, I owe the greater part of
my mental education. During the period that I talked to the
people from Sunday to Sunday in the lecture room at the
institution here, when it was open, there were many subjects
they presented. As to how well these were given we can best
judge, no doubt, by how they have held many through the years
since. Many that came to hear those talks formed the body of
our study groups, who are studying the information firsthand
through the readings given from Sunday to Sunday. Such
subjects as these have been the line of thought, so you may
judge as to whether they might be of interest to any groups
there:
Dreams - What is Truth? - Faith - Numerology - Psychic
Phenomena - Cooperation - Astrological Influences -
Subconscious Mind - Virtue & Understanding - Experiences into
the Unseen - Where is Heaven? - The Aura.
"From this you see they are quite varied, yet are very
kindred in many ways.
"No, I am rather accustomed to having a program laid out for
me, in most every place I have ever visited; however, I am
still looking for the time or place where it will not be best
that I devote the greater part of my time in either working
or addressing others. The 'quitter,' I am sure, showing up!
As an illustration: Some years ago I was in Fort Worth,
Texas. My friend [David E. Kahn] and I were walking down the
street (having just arrived there), and he noticed there was
a spiritualist service going on in a Jewish synagogue. We
went in and found between five and six hundred people
listening at a visiting minister, and the pastor of a
spiritualist church. My friend had a speaking acquaintance
with the pastor of the spiritualist church [Rev. [
2482]].
About nine o'clock, just at the close of their service, he
came back and spoke to my friend, and when I was introduced
to him he insisted that I go up to the platform to be
introduced to the congregation. I reluctantly went, for I
had no idea what was to happen. In the introduction he told
something of my work, and the readings I had been giving for
years; so the people began to ask questions. I had never
before in my life attempted to address a body of people. Two
hours later, while still answering questions, my friend
received a wire from a fellow soldier in Oak Harbor, Ohio
(who had been with him in France), asking that I give an
immediate reading on his father [
4942]. Of course, many of
those present in the church (and I don't think anyone went
out) were anxious to see a demonstration. The reading was
attempted right there, on the platform. The first
information given was that the patient had left the address
presented. Of course, many of those who could hear felt
there was some hokus-pokus about it. So, my friend (who was
conducting the reading) insisted that we follow the man and
see where he was. It was then given that he was attending a
board meeting in Toledo. A physical diagnosis followed,
describing a very serious stomach complication. To be sure,
when I awakened, it was very unsatisfactory to many of those
people unless they could get a verification of whether or not
the man had left Oak Harbor, or whether the son had known
that when wiring for the reading. So, at two o'clock the
next morning I was still sitting there, trying to entertain
them with my experiences, until an answer to our wire finally
came revealing the fact that the man had actually got up out
of a sick bed to go to the meeting. So, while I may not be
so versatile, I reckon I must be able to do something. I
merely give you this as an instance. I'm sure it will make
you smile. I praise God that's one thing I have kept through
it all, my ability to smile over the positions in which I
have been placed from time to time.
"Yes, I would be very glad to give three, four or five days,
or evenings, to any group or any number that might want to
hear subjects of this nature discussed. As I have said, my
problem is being able to get there and back. Not that I
would want anything for the lectures, but if that part of it
could be arranged it would be fine.
"I'm certainly glad the patients are coming along alright.
You are quite right, I am sure, that many an individual needs
to be fed on the milk of human kindness a long time before
they can even be given any spiritual meat.
"Many thanks for the radio talk. Anything that gives any
light on Egypt, or any of the countries - as for that matter
- that are the foundation for basic principles, is of
interest. Quite often we have gotten information, and then
in six months or a year we would read about some
archaeologist who had made some finding that would verify
that given. As the boy has said, and many of the family, if
we didn't have this in the files we ourselves could not
believe it to be so accurate, or that we hadn't read it
somewhere beforehand; consequently, we realize that although
we may have much data that is worthwhile, until we are some
day able to have our OWN search made for some of the things
we are told we are most closely interested with - until we
can give out to someone what we expect to find and then go
and find it - we will possibly not be considered among those
that would be helpful to a work of this nature.
"I've always enjoyed my little visits to the Institute in
Chicago. I don't believe I've ever been there that I haven't
spent some time in the Institute. Something has always
seemed to draw me there. Even on my first visit many, many
years ago, when I went there as the guest of Mr. Hearst's
paper, I spent most of my time in the Institute.
"We appreciate very much your comment on the Bulletin.
Sometimes, from having such favorable comment, we become
rather fearful. I asked the boy and the young lady who has
charge of this to put a few of the comments in the next
issue. The boy says he has asked you to give him a little
paper for use in the next Bulletin. I hope you will find the
time and have the inclination to do this. As I have said
before, I know we are making rather a feeble effort (in
appearance), but so many of the members have spoken so
favorably of the contact this makes between the work and
themselves that we feel encouraged to, at least, keep on
trying. If we can get over some message of truth in each
issue, it will no doubt be much more beneficial than a lot of
stuff that would be mere words with little meaning to most of
us.
"There must have been some reason for my not being able to go
West at the time I had expected. I have tried to learn to be
as little disappointed as possible, but it is always a
disappointment not to meet individuals whom I have been
looking forward to meeting for some time. Let's hope that it
will be in the near future. It seems so peculiar that we so
often find friends to whom we are drawn all of a sudden, when
we have been living in the same world so long and have heard
nothing from or of each other. I wonder what it is all
about!
"I'm sure we will be more than glad to be of any help
possible in getting the messsge you may have in shape to
distribute as you see fit. We try not to be too insistent to
individuals, but where we have written or spoken to people
about your article and they have asked for it (and we let
them ask!), they have been very enthusiastic about it. A few
have asked for your address. I wonder if you have heard from
any of them.
"I asked Hugh Lynn about the horoscope. He has already
written to you about it.
"By the way, what do you hear from our friend Prouty?
"You need never feel that your letters will be too long, for
I enjoy each and every one of them, more than I can make you
understand or feel. At times, at least, I know I am a very
poor letter writer, but I certainly like to receive them; and
I appreciate your sense of humor, for it has saved many an
individual, and I'm sure you find it needed often in your
practive among the sick.
"Give my regards and love to the family,and let us hear from
you whenever you find the opportunity."
Ever the same, Edgar Cayce
11/30/32 Mother, [
2110]'s letter to EC:
"It has been a long time since I have written to you, but my
heart and my mind are so full most of the time, that I am
just neglectful with my correspondence. This afternoon I am
down at the office taking my son's place, so I thought it a
good opportunity to write a few lines to you.
"First of all I want to thank you for what you have done for
all of us and especially Dr. [
539], for he certainly looks
to you as a living exponent of the Christ message. He will
say: 'Of all the people we have contacted in Truth work, I
think Mr. Cayce is the most sincere and devoted of any one I
have known'.
"My husband wrote you that I had suggested that he
discontinue using the battery on [
2155] and I will tell you
why. First he started using it about 12 or 1 o'clock. He
would go down stairs after the ice and then get [
2155] fixed
up and sometimes he would leave it on for two or three hours,
falling asleep. Then later he started putting it on at about
7 in the morning; that was at a time [
2155] had not had
enough sleep and he objected to that, so there was not much
harmony between the two of them. Doctor has not been at all
well and he always has needed a great deal of sleep. I
wanted him to let me take care of the battery, as I do not
get very much sleep and do not seem to miss it so much, but
he wouldn't let me do it. I thought it was doing them both
more harm than good under the circumstances. You are a great
inspiration to my husband Mr. Cayce, and I want to thank you.
I think [
2155]'s condition has been a great cross to Dr.
[
539] and a great blow to his pride, but he also has been our
way-shower, at least in this incarnation and for this I thank
[
2155].
"I must tell you that when I got my reading from you it
cleared up one thing for me. You spoke of my having lived in
Macedonia at the time of St. Pauls ministry in that land.
Now when our [
2155] was born, I did not know just why I named
him [
2155] excepting that the name seemed to be synonymous
with nobility, strength and power, and when I wrote to a very
dear friend that I had named my first-born [
2155] she wrote
back and said to me: 'It's strange, but that is what I had
hoped you would name him.'
"Dr. brought your very helpful letter home to me. I was
sorry that you were not able to come out this way to visit
with us, but I know how it is just now. Every one seems to
be a little bit financially embarassed just now; the Doctors
too. The other day a man brought in a bushel of onions and a
bushel of turnips to apply on his bill and as we are neither
big turnip or onion eaters, I'm going to put them where they
will do some good. I'm just writing this to give you a
little laugh, as what we all need just now is a little laugh,
or I should put it, 'a big laugh' to help each other along.
I once heard dear old T. J. Shelton say: (he was editor of
the Scientific Christian) 'The gods surely must be laughing
at the tragic drama of the world as they see it from their
elevated understanding,' but if they do, then I am quite sure
that their loving compassion makes them bend every effort to
help where they can.
"Now about [
2155]. His condition has not been very favorable
for about two months. That is, the convulsions and cramps
have been so continuous and the convulsions very severe,
almost like an obsession, if one wants to believe in this.
That is he would be so powerfully strong and contort and
throw himself so, that it would be impossible for one person
to hold him at times and he would bruise himself so writhing
around against furniture, etc. I was alone with him one
morning about three weeks ago. He was not yet out of bed
when he got a seizure, and I knew that if he got off the bed
and I could not control him, he would hurt himself, so I
threw myself across his body and called upon Jesus Christ to
help, and I did not have to use any force or extraordinary
strength and although he continued to scream and flounder, he
was saved from hurting himself. Dr. sometimes thinks he must
use force in rousing him out of it, but it has never done any
good and I think is subconsciously resented by [
2155]. Two
weeks ago, (I guess in his desperation) Dr. said to me:
'Well, we'll just have to do something with him again, (he
meant put him in an institution again). I said to him very
quietly 'Mr. Cayce said it was our problem'. No more has
been said about that. Four times he has been put away; three
times when I was absolutely allowed no word in the matter. I
believe with [
2155] as he plaintively said to us at one time:
'God put me in this home and this is where I belong.' Mr.
Cayce I had my three children in three years. [
2155] was the
oldest and I never murmured when the others came. [
2155] did
not walk until he was two years old and I carried one on each
arm, and then my daughter walked just two weeks before the
youngest was born. I have given the very best I know how for
my husband and children, and I am willing to until my work
here this time is done, and if I could only see [
2155] able
to take his place so that he could care for himself, I would
feel I had not lived in vain. I am speaking to you now as
one can only speak to the Father and I would ask you please
to destroy this letter. Doctor is really ill and will not
let me help him as I would like to, but he does appreciate
what you say. He is a man of so few words and one has to
guess at so many things. His hands seem to be so numb and
they look so swollen and he says his feet feel the same way.
I think he is too heavy, and think he should reduce
considerably (he weighs about 222 lbs.). He enjoys his
food. Should weigh about 19O lbs. as he is 5 ft. 11". He
is not what would be called an enormous eater, but should
eat less. I guess the Spirit wants recognition and he is
restless and then apathetic. I told him I was going to
write you and he said 'Just don't be too hard on me when you
write Mr. Cayce.'
"I'm here this afternoon because he and [younger son] have
been scrapping, (excuse the expression). It's just childish.
So here I am. They're just God's dear THUNDERBOLTS - both
big and little, and I guess if I have gone thru previous
lifetimes and have been sustained this far, I know where my
sustainance lies. 'He' is my refuge, in Him is my trust.
"I thank you dear friend for the help you are to my husband
and in His Name for all the work you are doing unto the least
of His little ones, for that is what we all are. God bless
you and yours. With love from all of us, I am Yours in Light
Eternal," [
2110]
12/12/32 EC's letter to [
2110]:
"We indeed enjoyed yours of the 30th. I appreciate very much
your taking the time to write, for I know just how busy a
housewife can keep. You can appreciate the position my wife
occupies, when our office and work is right here in the home.
As you see from the readings, whenever we have one she has to
stop whatever she is doing and come to conduct it. So, she
keeps busy whether any of the rest of us do or not.
"If I have been of the least help to Dr. [
539] or to any of
my fellow man, I am certainly glad; for that is indeed our
whole purpose in life. I felt quite complimented at
something my boy said to me the other evening, when I was
telling a dream I had some weeks ago. The Angel of Death
came to me and said that I must prepare for leaving this
world. I asked what I might take with me. His reply was,
'You can take only that you have given away.' The boy
remarked, 'Well, Dad, I'm thinking they'll have to have an
express to carry all your baggage.' [Noted in
294-155
Reports.] I'm sure that if nothing else has, that made me
more and more anxious to be of service to my fellow man.
"I have been very anxious to make a personal visit to you,
for I would like to know each one personally. So far I have
been unable to arrange this, but let's hope it will come
sometime in the near future.
"As we all here gather at the table, or in our living room in
the evening, we discuss various ones that we know are
interested in what we are trying to do. On getting your
letter I asked each one to describe to me what sort of
looking man they imagined Dr. [
539] to be. (I appreciate
very much your giving me a description of him.) It was quite
amusing. I do not say it boastfully, but I must have been
about the only one that had formed an idea of him being a
large, heavy man. Most of the others had him pictured as
short, not very fat, tall and slender, and every other way
except the right one. It is impossible for us not to form in
our minds an imaginary concept of what others look like, in
whom we feel such an interest and so close.
"I'm certainly glad the life reading cleared up some points
for you. You will find, as so many others, that as you go
along and read them from time to time many things clear up.
"Yes, we are finding quite often that the exchange of one
man's efforts comes in very handy to the other man's needs.
We are very glad when some of our friends remember us by
bringing in a few cabbage, turnips, potatoes or the like;
which they do once in a while. We get a good smile out of
it, but it certainly comes in mighty nice, as I'm sure it
must have to you all in these times of depression.
"The gods must surely laugh at the tragic drama of the world
as it is today: So many of us have forgotten God.
"I know [
2155]'s condition at periods is so much worse, and
very trying on each and every one of you. It is so hard (or
seems to be) for us to understand why these things should be
in our lives and experiences, when we are trying so hard to
give of our better selves in service to our fellow man. We
do not see God's purposes with us. If we could only get that
attitude and consciousness that the Master must have had in
the Garden, 'Not my will but Thine be done,' or as old Job,
'Though He slay me yet will I love Him'. Sometime we will
understand, for now 'we look through the glass darkly; then
we shall meet Him face to face,' and then we will understand.
"I want to say THANK YOU for your letters; they come as
encouragements that seem to be so necessary in the lives of
all. I try, but I know my weakness and unworthiness. To
know that I may have been of some help, that I may have said
or done something that has made the hope somewhat brighter in
the life of some of my friends and fellow man, makes life so
worthwhile - and that it is not in vain. He has said,
'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my
little ones, ye have done it unto me.' MAYBE I will have
some luggage to carry when I pass.
"Let us hear from you when you can. May His blessings and
His grace sustain you!
"With love from all, I am Sincerely," Edgar Cayce
1/04/33 Father's letter: "[
2155] has shown a decided
improvement. He has had no Grand Mal attacks for several
weeks now. The cramps in his legs have been practically
absent. What is called Petit Mal attacks in our medical
nomenclature have appeared at various times, but they are not
so troublesome, and many pass by unnoticed."
1/27/33 Father's letter: "[
2155] is just getting over a
somewhat strenous period. Yesterday and today are the first
days that he did not have any convulsions or cramps in almost
three weeks. We feel that we have very much to thank for and
wish to make use of this opportunity to thank you for all
your good will in his case and in fact, all of our affairs.
"Mrs. [
2110] joins me in sending our love and expressing our
most sincere greetings to you and yours."
5/24/33 See
281-17, Par. 12-A regarding magnetic treatments
for [
2155], giving prayer to be held while treatments are
given.
6/29/33 "[
2155]'s condition is just about the same. He looks
the picture of health, but in his walk gives the evidence of
the injury to the upper neurons controlling particulary the
right leg. He is subject to severe pain from a cramp and
uncontrolled pull of these heavy muscles, which when severe
will usually terminate in convulsive seizures. There are
times also when the seizures without these cramps will occur,
usually from emotional disturbances arising during dreams in
the night or in the day time when something perhaps not
understood causes him to worry or resent conditions."
7/06/33 Mother, [
2110], wrote telling about Dr. [
539]'s
illness and her added responsibilities, etc:
"[
2155] has not been so well for a long time. He got so
impatient about using the Battery that we had to discontinue
the use of it. Last week he had two very bad falls. These
spells come so quickly; when he does feel badly he lays on
the couch all day (which is most of the time) and he'll get
up to get a drink and if I just leave him alone to do this,
he'll get an attack and fall."
8/19/33 Father, Dr. [
539]'s letter: "[
2155] has had a stormy
time for the last few weeks. Thank you for everything that
you have ever done for us, and are continuing to do for us."
1/16/34 "[
2155] had quite a normal reaction feeling his
handicap considerably, with the consequent unfavorable
reaction. In fact, I found it necessary to take him for a
few days to a friend of mine where he had a change from being
in contact with his usual environment. Since then, he is
much more tractable."
4/24/34 Dr. [
539] had another Physical Reading - See
539-5.
6/03/34 Mother, Mrs. [
2110]'s letter: "We have been giving
[
2155] Barbitol for about 8 months and it wards off the
convulsions, but sometimes he will lose all control of
himself, tearing buttons off his clothes, destroying things,
etc. This makes it very difficult at times, but I feel so
sorry for him and it seems to me that people who know as much
of the Law as we do should be able to handle the situation
without putting him into an institution. After all it is our
problem, we can't get away from that and I have so hoped and
prayed that my willingness and earnestness would bring to us
that Wisdom which would release his soul. For that is what
it appears to me at times, a soul in torment that is looking
for escape from something that holds it."
6/07/34 EC's letter to Mrs. [
2110] see under
378-48 Reports in
re 'thorn in the flesh'.
1/09/38 Mother, [
2110]'s letter: "[
2155] has been sorely
tried today has torn two shirts and keeps repeating: 'I'll
not do it again - I promise.' My heart aches so for him, and
I call continually for help for him."
2/07/38 Mother's letter: "[
2155] is much sweeter than he used
to be and if we reflect love he is very amenable to it. He
is my shadow and does not want me out of his sight."
4/01/38 Mother's letter to EC:
"I did want to write and tell you the Ballards would be in
Washington, D.C. from April 8th - 17th inclusive at the
Rialto Auditorium, 715 - 9th Street, N.W. (for information
contact Dr. & Mrs. H. B. Bressler, 3619 Newark Street, N.W.).
"I have several friends who have heard them and they are so
sincere in their thanksgiving that they have, I thought maybe
you might have the desire as they would be so close to you.
"I sincerely hope that you have fully recovered from the
flare-up of the old condition which you wrote about. It
seems we do have to hold on with all our Faith - but with all
the Sinister forces that seem to want to engulf the earth,
even with what we know of Truth, it keeps pounding away and
the more determined we are the more it seems to pound. But
we do know that God is and that God is that Love 'that will
not let us go.'
"Dr. [
539] is holding his own pretty well. He is or has been
allowing himself to get very stout, but as he has had to be
careful of his blood stream, I know he is doing it for a
purpose. [
2155] I feel is better although the convulsions
continue, but we can reason so much better with him. He
still get spells when he tears his clothes pretty badly and I
get so tired of mending. I joke and say: 'St. Peter will
surely give me a needle and spool of thread and send me into
a corner to sew.' [
2155] seems so sorry afterward & it does
act just like an obsession, but if it is, why isn't there a
liberation when we send out so many prayers & demands for his
freedom? Just at present he has the box complex again.
Every week his Dad has been getting him a new wooden box (or
rather one that has had fruit in it) from the Grocery store.
(They must be either Prune or Apricot boxes) He has now
about 125 of them in the attic. Now I believe he is down to
asking for only 3 more & then if one of them has a knot hole
or flaw in it, he takes off that piece & of course he will
require just one more to take its place. If we refuse he
gets all worked up about it. Have you read: 'Thirty years
among the Dead' and 'The Gateway of Understanding' by Dr.
Carl Wickland [Carl A. Wickland, M.D.]. They go quite
extensively into Spirit Obsession & Mrs. Wickland & Dr.
Wickland were doing the work of driving out these obsessing
entities & according to the Books, were quite successful.
Mrs. Wickland passed on a year ago & Dr. Wickland says he has
so far found no one to work with since her passing. At least
that is what he told me last June when I was in California.
He was just recovering from an operation & looked very frail,
but I see by the 'Progressive Thinker' that he was in Europe
this last year. He told me he & Mrs. Wickland had been
invited to Scotland, but on account of his wife's passing &
his health, did not know when he would go - but he evidently
did go. If you haven't read these books I would be glad to
send them to you if you care to read them. Let us know.
"Their place was very much run down, but I was so favorably
impressed with him - a gentleman in every sense of the word &
sincere. I heard some people speak of them as crazy - but so
they did of the Ballards & so they do of all of us when we
begin to seek the Higher Truths, so it is not worth while to
stop and listen to these negative criticisms.
"[Younger son] & I drove to Chicago last Saturday to hear Mr.
Wm. Cassier (Brother Bill) an accredited Messenger of the
Ballards. I am so happy [younger son] is interested in the
Higher Truths & this is not the usual thing for a young man
of 26. We were well repaid even tho' we didn't get back to
... until 2 A.M. Brother Bill (I don't like that, as it
seems too familiar) will be in Davenport, Ill. (just 100
miles from here) in 2 weeks - I want Dr. to run over for a
day with us. Think he will & if not we go alone, but I know
Dr. too would be well repaid to hear his humble, loving,
inspired message. Brother Bill claims God does speak to him
& some times so audibly that others hear him.
"Well this has been quite a lengthy epistle but I do feel so
grateful to you for what you have tried to do for us and I do
respect and esteem your loving attitude toward God & Life.
Dr. [
539] joins me in blessings to you & yours," Sincerely,
Mrs. [
2110]
4/07/38 EC's letter to Mrs. [
2110]:
"Thank you very much for yours of 1st. Always good to hear
from you. I suppose every one has friends and acquaintances
whom they consciously or not hold up to their minds as an
exemplification of some virtue they would themselves like to
possess - so you are to me. Have through the years known
possibly hundreds of Mothers who have a sorrow such as yours
in their home, but you possess the greatest amount of
fortitude and PATIENCE of any have ever known, and that
patience is what I would like to possess. For as the Master
said - 'in patience possess ye your souls,' and is the one
manifestation of His life, most of us fail so miserably in.
So it does me a world of good to hear from you Mrs. [
2110],
and the manner you show in that direction is an inspiration
to me each time I hear from you. Can't help but let my mind
include so - Oh so many cases of the same nature, and their
reaction is often very often a grating upon my very being,
and I just hope I can gain from your letters, that strength
that will not let me condemn these dear people. So thank you
from my very soul for the strength and PATIENCE you show.
Yes, am sure much of it is often unconsciously shown.
"Thank you for letting me know about Mr. Ballards being in
Washington. Have never met him personally - have had a bit
of correspondence with him. Know he is doing a great work
and all whom have seen a vision - or been privileged to have
an experience out of the ordinary is censured, condemned by
others. That too was the Master's experience and the servant
is not greater than the Master - and as he said if they have
hated me, they will hate you also - and the earth may fail
but His word will not fail.
"Am thankful to say am feeling well again or as my father
[L. B. Cayce] used to say 'good as new', all thanks to HIM,
the giver of all good and perfect gifts.
"Glad Dr. [
539] is holding his own. That is fine. Fine too
that [
2155] is better. Has the Dr. ever tried the Western
Medical people for [
2155] - guess he knows of their work.
They are in Chicago. Have come in contact with those using
his medicines very often. Many cases the information does
not approve of his treatment - others it has been suggested
they keep it up - it at least reduces the attacks in many
cases.
"Your patience is beautiful - and a lesson for everyone may
God bless you and keep you sweet always. The Box complex is
a new one to me. Is wonderful tho' that you all can gratify
him in that direction.
"Yes, have had the privilege of reading Dr. Wickland's book
and have had some correspondence with him before Mrs.
Wickland passed on - a very unusual experience. Mrs.
Wickland gave me a reading supposed to come from Madame
Blavatsky - and so happened on the same day, someone in
Washington, D.C. sent me a message, supposed to come from the
same source, but they were a denial one of the other. Have
known of one or two cases tho where Dr. Wickland has
disposessed individuals, as I understand he so considers all
cases of such a nature as [
2155]'s. Had not heard of Mrs.
Wickland's death.
"Am sure you enjoyed your trip to Chicago to hear 'Bro Bill'
wish might hear him myself. Wonderful that [younger son] is
interested in such, for it is coming when everyone must be
well versed in what is being presented here and there. Am of
the opinion when mankind studies the Spirit as he has the
body, man will make an advancement yet unknown - provided it
is not for a selfish purpose - for the misuse of knowledge,
was man's downfall, and ever will be to my way of thinking,
and the TRY is counted to the sincere man as righteousness.
"Thank you Mrs. [211O] - I remember HE said there are
conditions that man does not cope with except 'by fasting and
prayer'. I seek to know that way, if HE sees that I have
need of it at present. Know am weak and sinful often, but
believe my heart is right, else there would not be
consistently the wonderful results here and there - I would
never doubt God speaks to all that will listen - for am
persuaded He is the same ever - he did to the men of Old why
not now, it is our fault if he does not, never HIS.
"Thank you again and again for your letter. Please remember
me to all and write again soon. With all good wishes."
Sincerely, EC
3/01/40 Mother's letter to EC:
"So often I have thought of you in the last few years since I
have heard from you so often the urge to write - but what to
write - as things were with us. We have truly tried to find
the answer to our heart-breaking problem and while Dr. & I
have both probably grown spiritually with the seeking, no
light has been thrown upon that which has lain nearest our
hearts and for which we have tried to leave no stone unturned
to find help or the solution of dear [
2155]'s trouble.
"Just a half hour ago they took him down to the State
Hospital again. It is hardly 5 months since we had to put
him there before. We are compelled to do this for his and
our own protection. The medicine Dr. gives him wards off the
spells for a while but there seems to come a time when he
gets to a point there just must be an outlet in just smashing
things - tearing his shirts to pieces or hurting someone. It
is usually me (because I am alone with him & he is not afraid
of me.) My glasses have been broken many times from blows in
the eyes - my teeth almost knocked out - for he always aims
at either the eyes or mouth. About 6 weeks ago he came
behind me & drove his phonograph key into the top of my head
so that it broke the scalp & bled quite profusely. Dear
friend, I have learned to take all this without an angry
resentment welling up. There seems to be such a viciousness
behind all this, that one almost feels an inhuman vicious
something or somebody is prompting it. It usually starts a
week or 10 days before when we try thru patience & prayers
to straighten him. There will be seeming success until it
breaks out again in the fury that culminates into something
we don't seem to be able to handle.
"This morning Dr. had to have some dental work done down at
..., which is about 9 miles from here. Thinking [
2155] & I
would enjoy getting out for the ride he took us along. For
about 10 days [
2155] has been very difficult. Yesterday
asking several times: 'What would happen if I kill someone?'
(You can imagine how that shocks & grieves us). Then he'd
ask 'what will happen if I break the window or break the
bookcase, door, or scratch my hall,' keeping up a continual
barrage of disturbing questions; never at rest or peace. He
seems like a lost tormented soul.
"When we got down to ..., Dr. parked us at the curb & went to
the Dentist. Then I thinking to give [
2155] some pleasure
said, 'Come, we will take a little walk & look at the
windows; which we did & when we got to the corner the wind
blew his hat off & it made him angry & he started wiping the
street up with his hat & as the auto's were coming from every
direction, I grabbed his hand & said, 'Oh [
2155] don't do
that' & he wheeled around, struck me square in the eye before
that crowd of people. My glasses were not broken for which I
immediately gave thanks, neither did anyone interfere for
which I also was very grateful, so I hurried him across the
other side & back to the car. God gave me the strength to do
it. When Dr. came back we drove back home & I did not tell
him until we got back to the house, & he left us & then
[
2155] started again 'You know what I said yesterday about
killing someone. What will Dad do if I smash things around
here?' I could see from the look in his eyes that the
influence was still using him, so I had to telephone Dr. to
come up I have been so often hurt that I'll admit I am afraid
to stay alone with him at such time. I had no other recourse
& it almost breaks my heart. Mr. Cayce we have done
everything for [
2155] but died for him & sometimes I feel
that both Dr. & my hearts are broken. If we only knew why,
why why. If someone could tell us 'because you have done so
& so' - & then we could crawl on our hands & knees and
rectify it - but I know in all my life I have never done
anything so cruel that could have merited what we have to go
thru to have a child who seems to be at the mercy of
something over which he mentally has no control. Even if
something was injured at his Birth (& the Doctors now say
man is completely renewed in every cell every 7 years) that
should have been remedied - with all of our right light
patterns & all of the prayers that have gone out into the
ether for him. I read in the March 'Science of Mind' Ernest
Holmes, Editor - quote: 'Scientists state that the only part
of the brain concerned with the function of mind which
thinks, plans, remembers, wills, and reasons, is the cortex
or covering. The cortex has been likened to a glove, very
delicate and small weighing less than half an ounce. It is
in that portion that we entrap our share of Universal Mind.
If it is injured the entrapped mind does not function
normally anymore than any other damaged machinery will
function efficiently.' When Dr. [
539] read this he said
'the Universal Mind is the Builder & so It does rebuild the
injured cortex.' I don't know but this seems what ails
[
2155]. He just doesn't seem to be able to reason or
function normally.
"I know you will be glad to know Dr. [
539] has made much
progress in the last year. He still has to use the Liver
injections every day but his hands function better & his feet
too than they have for the last 5 or 6 years. Spiritually he
has made great progress for which we praise God. Dear Mr.
Cayce - I would like to have you give us a Reading of [
2155].
I don't know what kind of a Reading you would term it but I
would like to know 'What has caused his present life what can
be done to free his mind & if that is possible - what good
his life is in the state it is in to himself & the world -
what we can do to free the spirit into greater expression.'
He will be 31 years old next Thursday March 7 - & it has been
30 years of martyrdom for him, the other children & his
parents. I believe there are few parents who would be as
devoted, loving & honest about our desire to help as we have
been - not simply because he has been our child but because
our hearts have been filled with compassion for such
helplessness or seeming helplessness. I believe the Readings
are $10.00 & not having a M.O. here & wanting to get this off
right away (I am enclosing $5.00 currency and a check made
out to me which I have endorsed). As your time is one hour
earlier than our time - [
2155] would be sleeping either here
or at the State Hospital, Bartonville, Ill. between 10 P.M.
to 6 A.M. This would be our time. He was born March 7th
1909, Sunday 1:55 A.M. Breech Birth. I think you have any
other data you may require of Doctor and myself. [
2155]'s
full name is [...].
"And now after all the troubles I have piled upon you, we
hope you and yours are all well and happy. We often think of
you, but it takes real courage to keep our 'chins up'. We
now have two grandchildren, who are a real joy to us. [...],
our youngest son is still unmarried. I know that [
2155]'s
seeming affliction has saddened his life. [...] is a
handsome young man and a good, clean one, but he cannot quite
understand why our prayers are not answered.
"With love to all your family and the prayer for the Joy,
Peace, & Power of the Spirit for each one of you. I am In
His Service," Mrs. [
2110]
"(I am enclosing $10.00 in currency). I have asked what we
can do to free [
2155]'s spirit into greater expression. I
should have asked 'more quickly'. Love & patience &
discipline seem to have failed."
3/04/40 EC's letter to Mrs. [
2110]:
"Have yours of the 1st. Mighty glad to hear from you and
pray God that we may yet be the channel of some blessings to
you and yours regards all the trouble you have and are
having. One doesn't wonder when they see such love, patience
and care given someone and then nothing seems to help, they
doubt the loving care of a Heavenly Father at times.
"Mrs. [
2110] - don't know what you think of the theory but
might I suggest we try the Life reading for [
2155]. Possibly
many of the questions you suggest in your letter might be
answered. Have had a few experiences where the suggestions
as to the deeper seated causes of such were given and help
obtained. Possibly might do that in this. Have all the data
for this information in your letter except where was [
2155]
born. - ... or some other town. We will try this and see
what we get.
"Am sending you some data as has been gathered on the Life
Reading. This may help you determine whether you would like
to have me try this in this fashion or not.
"We often think and speak of you and the Dr. Am hoping yet
to have the privilege of meeting you personally. All here
had the flu in Jan. and Mrs. Cayce still isn't getting out
much - with the severe bold her old trouble seemed to being
developed again - but believe it is all allayed now and may
have just been anxiety on our part.
"Let me know about this at once - and do hope we can help.
Please remember me to the Dr. and am always so glad to hear
from you."
With all good wishes, EC
3/07/40 Mother's letter to EC:
"Have just received your very kind letter of March 5th, also
an accompanying explanation of the 'Life Readings' and I
think you are right and that would probably give us the best
information. If it is possible I want to learn what will
entangles [
2155]'s mind. I always feel there is some great
hurt, some great repression, that if we could only put our
finger on it to release it. You know dear Mr. Cayce, before
[
2155] was born I used to lie awake half the night asking God
to make me a worthy Mother to have this child. I suppose
psychologists would say I had prayed the condition upon
myself - But my idea of God is different - God to me is Love
& always will be regardless.
"This is [
2155]'s 31st birthday & he is down at the State
Hospital. He was good the first 4 days & yesterday they say
he started in tearing his clothes again. I cannot feel that
is a discipline to put him there. Of course I realize the
home & I must be protected from his viciousness which occurs
periodically about every 5 months, but I do believe we have
failed somewhere. I feel love should have discovered long
ago how he could be won. There is no dissension between me
and the Dr. about putting him down in Bartonville, but there
used to be because I used to think those of us who are normal
& have ungovernable tempers do many things which are just as
destructive but [
2155] because he does not seem to be able to
control himself, can be put where he will not bother because
he can't help himself.
"[
2155] was born ... in ..., at ... in the old house which we
tore down & built this one 25 yrs. ago. It was bought from
people named Goss. We learned later that Mr. Goss who had
passed on & his daughter a small child, both had epilepsy.
It was suggested to us that because of this, it might be the
cause of [
2155]'s trouble, so we tore down the old house &
built this one 25 yrs. ago. You know we are told of earth
bound entities & that may be this man might have objected
to someone taking over his home.
"Anyway - if you can would you please ask what Dr. and I must
do to help [
2155] in this life time to a realization of what
he is and how to take his normal place here & now.
"Dear friend - Dr. [
539] and I are both assured of your
innate high-mindedness and sincerity of purpose. We believe
you live very close to God and nothing would give us greater
joy than meeting you, your dear wife and sons and hope that
that may soon be possible.
"They tell us this great world travail is ushering in a new
world. God grant the viciousness of the past years may soon
be dissolved and Love & Peace be the keynote of the times and
may we all live to experience this in our individual lives.
"With sincerest good wishes to Mrs. Cayce, yourself and the
boys."
Sincerely, [
2110]
3/25/40 See
2155-5, a Life Reading.
Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation